NETWORKING

Information technology budgets across the restaurant industry are being hit hard by the downturned economy, forcing operators to implement cost-saving technologies that will most affect the bottom line. Learn about the recent cost-cutting tech selections at Noodles and Company and the Lion and Rose British Restaurant & Pub.

Talk to anyone who has ever pursued a fully converged IP network and they will reveal that this complicated process requires more footwork then many hoteliers are prepared to handle. HT reveals the five most important questions that all operators should ask prior to installation.

The emergence of Web 2.0 is transferring brand buzz power into the hands of customers through new marketing strategies and applications such as social networking, cell phones and more. Hospitality Technology sits down with Don Zimmerman, CIO of the newly formed Wendy's/Arby's Group, to discuss which technology trends hold the biggest potential for driving customer loyalty in the emerging marketing landscape, and why.

Kiosks are sliding over under the self-service umbrella to make room for a number of solutions that put control into the hands of customers. Learn how self-service is being redefined in the restaurant and lodging segments, and the solutions that are making it so.

The M Resort Spa Casino opens in Las Vegas and features a wide array of technology installs in its guestroom and gaming area. Handheld, mobile gaming devices and seamless wireless access are just some of the solutions.

K&W Cafeterias is using an advanced secure network to encrypt store data and ensure PCI standards compliance; a move that management says adds up to substantial cost savings and improvements in productivity.

All 50 hotels in the Day's Inn Business Alliance Group are using Ping Mobile's mobile marketing strategy to deliver daily promotions to its guests via SMS text messaging. Management for the Boston location describes how the system is paying off for them.

GoodFoodNearYou allows users to search for the healthiest restaurants by location on GPS enabled mobile devices, including the RIM BlackBerry Pearl, Curve, Storm and Bold and the Apple iPhone and iPod touch.

The 17th annual Restaurant Technology Study reveals the latest technology trends that are impacting the food service industry. The report covers a comprehensive range of topics including: technology budgets and spending allocations across a variety of projects; IT decision-making strategies; and top tech challenges. New this year, check out what made the "Top 10 Most Important Technologies" list for 2015. Sponsored.